The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust are celebrating success after their event, the Red Funnel Night Runner and Night Rider, attracted over 200 competitors to Cheverton Farm on the 16th April.
The local charity will receive all the money raised from entry fees, thanks to the generosity of Red Funnel’s support, which will allow them to give young people in recovery from cancer the opportunity to take part in sailing trips to rebuild their confidence.
Frank Fletcher CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust commented:
“What an amazing Night Runner Night Rider thank you to everyone who made it possible and those who took part and supported our work with young people in recovery from Cancer and Leukaemia; I am very much looking forward to next years event.”
The event was managed on behalf of the Trust by Isle of Wight based trail experts GP Sport. Competitors of all abilities took on a variety of night trails ranging from 5km – 20km distances for runners, and 5km – 35km for the mountain bikers.
Event sponsor, Red Funnel CEO, Kevin George, tackled the 20 km Night Rider route. Kevin commented:
“We are delighted the inaugural Red Funnel Night Rider and Night Runner events were so successful in raising much needed funds for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Although the weather and muddy inclines proved quite challenging for the George family we thoroughly enjoyed taking part and we can’t wait to do it all again next year.”
Participants and their supporters were also able to enjoy a pre-race DJ Set by Bestival curator and Trust Ambassador, Rob da Bank, with celebrations then continuing into the night with live music after racing.
Rob commented:
“What a great idea! I loved DJing for the Night Runner and Rider. Cheverton Farm is a stunning site with amazing views and I dug out my finest inspirational records to get everyone pumped up for the start. Congratulations to all who completed it and thanks for your support for the Trust.”
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a national organisation which was set up 13 years ago to give young people, aged 8- 24, in recovery from cancer, the opportunity to take part in sailing trips to rebuild their confidence. The Trust builds long term relationships through the Return to Sail and Graduate Volunteer programs working with every young person Principal Treatment Centre and a growing number of Designated Units in the UK. To date it has enabled over 1,500 young people to take part in sailing trips. The Trust receives no government funding and therefore relies entirely on voluntary donations to provide sailing trips free of charge to the young people.
Featured photograph: Bradleys IOW Photography
